14 Injured During Anti-Israel Protest In Srinagar

9 January 2009The Indian Express

Srinagar: At least 14 people, including six security personnel, were injured on Friday as police cane charged on mobs protesting against ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza, at Jama Masjid area in Srinagar. Police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the agitated protesters after they turned violent and resorted to stone pelting injuring six security personnel, official sources said. The trouble started shortly after Friday prayers when a large group of people, mostly youth, took to streets and torched an Israeli flag and tried to take out a march to protest the killing of Palestinian in Israeli strikes, the sources said. Later, they said, police burst teargas shells to disperse the protesters, who were chanting pro-freedom and anti-Israel slogans. Eight persons were injured in the baton charge and taken to nearby hospitals from where they were discharged after first aid, the sources said. They said several protesters were also detained by police during the clashes which were still continuing when last reports were received. Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to restore law and order, the sources said. Meanwhile, special prayers were offered in almost all mosques across Kashmir valley for those who lost their lives in the Israeli strikes on Gaza. The Imams (head priests) strongly condemned the Israeli action and urged the world community to raise their voice against the 'Israeli barbarism'. A group of doctors also took out a peaceful march at Medical College, Srinagar to condemn the Israeli action.